One of the exhibition's interactive games
Update:Â Here’s the Cincinnati Enquirer’s quick take on the exhibit.
Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War is an exhibition that appeals to everyone from school groups to Civil War history buffs and human rights scholars.
Please Note the Following Important Schedule Information: The Freedom Center is closed on Mondays and in addition, we also will be closed on the following Sundays while the Lincoln Exhibition is showing:
October 19, November 2, November 16 and November 30, December 14 and December 28.
The exhibit provides a succinct yet masterfully comprehensive review of Abraham Lincoln’s brief term as President. It was a time fraught with unparalleled challenges, any one of which would have overwhelmed even the most capable of leaders. That Lincoln was able — with sheer determination and incomparable vision — to steer a course that brought the nation through a bitter civil war, preserved the Constitution, and set in motion the abolition of slavery is one of history’s watershed accomplishments.
The exhibition tells this story through video presentations, historical documents, interactive games and touch screen media that summarize the 16th President’s stalwart leadership and consummate — and at times , controversial — decision making. Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War features more than 100 images, documents and artifacts (including a stovepipe hat and a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation) are incorporated into a half-dozen thematic exhibit areas. His speeches and writings, narrated by actor Sam Waterston, give visitors the opportunity to hear first-hand his thoughts and views on issues like equality, slavery, freedom, democracy, justice and the Constitution’s rule of law. Waterston’s rendition of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address sends chills down the spine.
The portion of the exhibit dealing with Lincoln’s handling of civil liberties during the Civil War is especially interesting — and revealing. Using touch-screen electronic kiosks, visitors make decisions about how they would have handled actual cases of individuals arrested for treason and disloyalty. The exhibit’s treatment of Lincoln’s decision to issue his Emancipation Proclamation, midway through the Civil War, underscores the importance of what was in part a military, but also a profoundly moral action.
An excellent video starts the exhibition
Parents: here’s good news: Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War is suitable for all ages. It is compact, colorful and visually stimulating, as well as easy to navigate. A thorough tour should take about an hour.
The exhibition was created by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, with funding from the Lincoln Financial Group. It will be on display in the Freedom Center’s Jack H. Skirball Gallery through January 11, 2009. To augment the exhibition, the Freedom Center also is planning a series of public programs throughout its stay. Check the Freedom Blog often for updates.
Tags: Civil Liberties, civil rights, emancipation, National Constitution Center, Secession, Slavery, the Civil War, U.S. Constitution
Posted on Thursday, October 16th, 2008 at 1:34 am in Events, Exhibits, Member News & Events, Press Releases, Slavery Today.
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I saw the Lincoln exhibit this past weekend and was very impressed! I cannot wait to take my grandchildren to see it over the Thanksgiving holiday! I think this is the best traveling exhibit the Freedom Center has ever had.